High-value individuals busted in buy-bust ops in Surigao Norte town with an estimated weight of 0.1 grams amounting to PhP1,180; and one black pouch. A body search was also done in the presence of Brgy. Tayaga officials. All confiscated items were brought to the authorities for documentation and proper disposition.
The Claver Municipal Police Station, together with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), conducted a buybust operation which led to the arrest of the high-value individual (HVI) priority target in the Municipal Level at Purok-6, Brgy. Tayaga, Claver, Surigao del Norte on January 31. Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office director PCol. Renato Mercado identified the suspect as Jason Samontina Zapanta, 31 years old, student, and a resident of Purok-6, Brgy. Tayaga, Claver. During his apprehension, Zapanta attempted to flee, but failed, after noticing
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| February 5-11, 2022
that he was dealing with a police officer who had disguised himself as a poseur buyer and threw away his cellphone and pouch containing the money from the transaction. No items were confiscated from his possession but joint operatives were able to retrieve several items during a search in the area such as one Android cellphone; one five hundred peso bill (marked money); four heatsealed transparent plastic sachet of suspected shabu with an estimated weight of 0.8 grams amounting to PhP9,440; one heatsealed transparent plastic sachet of suspected shabu bought by the poseur buyer from the suspect,
The arrested person was informed of the nature of his offense and was apprised of his Constitutional Rights under the Miranda Doctrine and Anti-Torture Law in the dialect known to him. PCol. Mercado noted that these efforts are part of the law enforcements’ dedication to carry out the government’s anti-illegal drugs campaign amid a health crisis. “This serves as a stern warning that despite the height of this pandemic, we will continue to strengthen our campaign against illegal drugs,” the police official added. (PNP-Surigao del Norte/ PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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